IOV World

Participate

Membership begins with the right category

IOV membership includes routes for individuals, groups, craft practitioners and cultural institutions. Review the categories, then ask the membership team to confirm the current application and fee information for your country.

IOV membership is open to organisations and individuals regardless of race, colour, creed, gender, sexual orientation, physical impairment, national or ethnic origin, or age.

Start a membership enquiry

Category register

Choose the closest fit

Category names are shown as a working guide. IOV should confirm the final category before an application or payment is made.

  • Student

    Students and emerging researchers

    Ask the membership team to confirm current eligibility, documentation and rates.

  • Individual

    People working with or supporting folk art and cultural heritage

    The standard route for a person applying in their own name.

  • Senator

    A senior or honorary membership category

    Eligibility is determined by IOV; contact the membership team before selecting this category.

  • Small Group

    Groups of up to eight members

    A collective route for small ensembles and working groups.

  • Large Group

    Groups of more than eight members

    A collective route for larger ensembles and associations.

  • Handicraft

    Craft practitioners, workshops, cooperatives and associations

    For applicants whose principal field is traditional craft or folk art.

  • Festival / Museum / Library / University

    Cultural and educational organisations

    For organisations that present, collect, research or teach cultural practice.

  • Institution

    Larger cultural institutions

    The membership team can confirm whether this or another organisational category applies.

Application route

Three stages, one written record

Keep the membership correspondence with your application. It should identify the responsible contact, category and current payment instructions.

  1. Identify the applicant

    Decide whether the application is for one person, a group, a cultural organisation or an institution.

  2. Request the current information

    Email IOV World with the applicant name, country, cultural field and preferred membership category.

  3. Wait for written confirmation

    The responsible IOV contact will explain the application, review, fee and payment route that applies in your country.

IOV participants from several countries meeting at a cultural gathering
International participants in the IOV media archive.
Participants holding certificates after an international cultural programme
Participants at the conclusion of an international cultural programme.

What to confirm

Ask before you apply or pay

Membership information can change. Use the enquiry to obtain the current requirements and retain that written confirmation.

  • The category that applies to your work or organisation
  • Required application information and supporting documents
  • Current fees, any applicable reductions and the payment currency
  • The responsible National Section or regional contact
  • How participation in IOV programmes works for your category

Institutional clarification

This page does not represent IOV membership as conferring a UNESCO role, appointment or consultancy. Any external role requires separate confirmation by the responsible institution.

Membership enquiries

Include your name, country, cultural field and the category you believe applies. Do not send payment until current instructions have been confirmed in writing.

Email info@iov.world